Pictures and The Joy of Care Packages...Small Children Give Light and Hope!

Hola mis amores!

How I just love all of you sooo much! I feel like this week We saw some miracles. We have been working really hard because there is just some insane amount of work in El Dorado. When we taught M and N about the plan of Salvation we snuck some baptism pointers in. By the end of the lesson M was planning for a baptism on Saturday! Haha! Well we really want them to get baptized as a little family and for that to happen N has to go to church as well. He works on Sunday – which he doesn´t like to do at all. So he is working on finding a different job. It is hard though bc they are so young and have the smallest baby and yeah work is very important. But they are amazing.

Also we have just been asking everyone if they have prayed to know that the Book of Mormon is true; which is a very important step in the process of learning about religion. Well anyway, either our investigators haven´t prayed yet (sad!) or they received an answer! Isn´t that great?! When you pray to God with a sincere heart and listen to the Spirit you will receive an answer. People seem so much happier after that.

Mommy guess what?!?!?!? I got your package!!!! WOOT!!! The greenie one! At first I was like "when was it st. patty's day?" But then I read the cute poem thing and it all made sense. But I cant even explain to you how excited I was to get scissors, tape, paper and pens! How did you know? Also I have been enjoying my Celestial Seasoning teas almost every night. The chocolate didn't last too long! Haha but it was fully enjoyed. So yup I got it and it is still making me smile. Also for English class for the little chicos that me and my comp have, we handed out stickers! And then on Sunday yesterday one of the kids came still with his stickers! So cute! The little kids love you here too mom!

It is starting to get cold and I am not the biggest fan of that. But the sleeping bag has been great as well as knit tights and layering. My comp is sooo nice and cares so much about helping people come unto Christ. It is amazing what I learn from other people. I learn so much about myself and how I need to improve. This transfer we are concentrating on Christ like attributes. When I read this chapter in "Preach my Gospel" I once again realize how much I lack. But the thing is is that everyone is invited to become more like Him. We have the potential to have attributes that He has. I think this is something I will work on my entire life. Not just my mission.Bethany – your email makes me cry. So I actually had makeup in my eye for a bit there! Haha. But loved the pic of us talking!!!


A and A are engaged?? Haha! Actually I thought that would happen with them. I have to see pics I can even imagine the gorgeousness. Keep me informed with all that good stuff, por favor. Say hi to Colorado for me and just soak up those moments at home! Living with the ´rents again! They are the best!

If you desire to send a package I will GLADY accept it! Seriously I can´t describe that joy. Let see really just anything makes my happy inside from you! So anything you would want I guess. If you want you can slip in some shirts for my boxes of clothes I have decided that you´ll should just send me clothes that I already own and wear those out, instead buy clothes. My t-shirts from urban (blue and and orange one) 2 long sleeve thermals (purple and pink) and really what ever else you find. That is just an idea though.Well I love you.

The Church is True I am so greatly for Christ in my Life and His atonement. I am excited that I will be with all of you forever. I love family so much and gracis a the gospel I have an amazing family.

Hermana urban

...Mom we had a meeting with this cute old man in the ward. You would love his clothes they are so nice and old man-like and they rock. His wife is a seamstress so his clothes are always nicely pressed. At the meeting he served us hot chocolate with these cute cups and I thought of you. I snapped a pic during the meeting for you.Happy birthday!

mother's day phone call

by bethany

something funny i've been meaning to post...

an embarrassing picture of myself. :)

this is me when elissa called our family for her late- mother's day phone call home. (we couldn't get through on mother's day). casey thought it was comical that i was crying at Smiths.


i couldn't even take a natural picture when we brought her to the mtc in february...

haha. i happy-cry a lot, just like the rest of my family. elissa is that way especially.

i love her and miss her! she is amazing. :)

We are now into June 2008!

Hola familia and friends!

How is the life of yours? Things are good here. It is a little weird bc I am not the senior companion but I am the one that knows everyone and every place that we have to go to. It has been stressful for me because I have to lead the way and remember everyone that we have to teach and all that good stuff. But I have been forced to use more and more Spanish so that is good. And my companion says that if I keep going at the rate that I am going that soon enough I will be fluent. That would be sweet.

Well, Grandma, I too have kept up with the reading of Enos for a month. I love it! We will read it with people who need a little faith boost. I really love verse 12 well it says that AFTER he labored with diligence, then the Lord Blessed him. It is soooo true as long as we continue to labor and be diligent and show our faith through our efforts, THEN we will be blessed and God will grant whatever we need to us. How great? But yes we do have to be diligent.

Well on Saturday night my companion told me that she wasn´t feeling well. Next thing we know she is throwing up all night long. It wasn´t fun for the either of us. Well, the Sunday came and we had to go to church bc we have investigators and we were actually picking up an investigator with a taxi. So I called everyone I knew that could be my companion for the morning. E, this young girl said she could come and so she walked to our pension which is very far from her. Bless her heart. And we picked up M (invest.) and went to church. Well, I was full of all these nerves bc My comp - who understands for me and talks for me – wasn´t there. So it was just me and the Lord. But I got through it and actually it was good for me.

She and her husband are great. Married and young. I think I told you all about them. But N (husband) cant go to church bc he has work. SO we are going to really work with him to try to be able to come. But she was there with her cute 1 month old. And there were babies being blessed in sacrament and she asked me if B (her son) could be blessed and was like "YES!" So we are going to work that out for her. I am really excited to teach her about the plan of salvation and how her family can be together forever. And then, who knows in a year I could go with them to the temple. That would be the most rewarding thing to experience.

Well, I know that package got here soooo fast! GO EXPRESS MAIL!! But what went even faster was the cereal. Haha. At our next English class with the little kiddies I am going to bring the stickers and they are just going to go up the wall! And how did you all know that I needed some earrings?? I read the letters over and over again too.

Dad- your new gel pen rocks! I love it! And yes dad, I have been eating occasionally at mcdonalds. Things that I never really liked before – like mcdonalds has become a lot better. And my comp liked it so yeah we would eat there. To be honest it is delicious now. But yes only occasionally.

Kendra- just think of your job right now as finding a job. Just keep looking. And thanks for writing me the funny things that go down. Those are the things I miss the most. Seriously!

Janelle- you are going to be Belle! I am jealous – I want to be in it!Mom- I know that you did a great job at landon´s baptism. The kids love you! As well as everyone else!Well loves to all of you!Hermana elissa urban

6 Weeks in El Dorado

Editor's note: *Initials = names shortened

E-mail sent today:

Well it happened.
6 weeks = transfers. and it has been 6 weeks. thus today was transfers. And if you are a greenie it is pretty much unheard of to have your trainer leave on the first transfer, but Hermana Garcia is on her way to the coast. So My new companion is Hermana T, from Virginia. Basically I am nervous that I need to know so much about the area. It is also scary because Hna Garcia has been in El Dorado for 6 months, making her popular, and now she is gone. But I am grateful for companions because I know that Hna T will help me.

Well, this week was great and I learned a lot about the Atonement. I got to see it first hand. We have been teaching J and her daughter A; J's sister V and her son C. All were baptized on Sunday (except for V) But I just feel soooooooo much love for these people. They are all living with Hermana G (the RS pres) and her family. The kids ALWAYS run up to us give us the biggest hugs ever and everyone calls us "hermanitas" – "little hermanas." We were hoping J would be able to be baptized, she has a strong testimony that is a strength to mine. She wanted so badly to be baptized and make that promise with God. She talks about going to the temple and she wants to do everything she can to make her life and her family happy. And I know that this is the only way to have a better and happy life. Through the Gospel, through obedience, God pours out blessings. And though the Atonement we can be clean. Well, for the musical number I sang with C and A and B (their cousin, hna G`s daughter who was also getting baptized bc she is 8) We sang Mas Cerca Dios a Ti, Nearer my God to thee. And it was such a privilege to be standing (well actually I knelt down) and singing with these little angles all dressed in white! Honestly, I would have to say that it was my finest performance.

We also found this cute family. M and N – she is 21 and he is 24. They are from Paraguay and guess what???????? ….. they are married!!!! (rare) But they are so cute and they want to learn more about the church. They have a brand new baby boy – who is just the cutest thing ever. They actually had a baby before but he passed away, which is heart breaking, but we know that they can be together with that baby again forever, I am really excited to teach them.

Bethany – I really enjoyed your pics!! Just come to Argentina and follow me around for a day – PLEASE!!! Hagalo. (do it)

UM guess what, best family ever?!?!?! I got your package! ¡Que Rapido! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!! Seriously thanks so much for being so giving. It was a bit expensive – wasn't it? – so sorry about that. But I am going to have some delicious raisin bran tonight. Really words cant express my warm feelings for a package from home! ¡EN SERIO!

- I am lovin´ this The Killers are on the radio right now.

Well I love you all entirely way too much!! I think of you all the time. Thanks for your love. For your DearElders for your letters for the package!!!
Bethany give a shout out to Mary and scott – tell them I got their sweet dearelder. (I cant believe scott is home) oh also will you give me jenni´s email address. I need to hear from her!!! it has been too long and i have to hear about spain!
Janelle thanks for the Seinfeld! I can't believe it either that you are going to be a sophomore!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

¡¡¡¡Les Extrano muchsimo!!
Vaya con Dios,

Hermana Urban

Ps. I forgot my camera cord. Lo siento (sorry)

Note From Dad...

We are saving Hermana Urban's letter for next week because we are missing the pictures. I wanted to just take a minute to say how wonderful it is to have a daughter on a mission. I am also so proud of my other daughters too. It is so wonderful and rewarding to raise a family. Oh yes, there are always some growing and trying times, but having the gospel in your life is such a fantastic thing. A balance of what life has to offer is so important. Please click on http://www.providentliving.org/ to learn more about how to have a well balanced life. Including your financial picture, food storage etc.

My family and I really hope you are enjoying reading Elissa's letters. She is just so happy and has a wonderful loving spirit. People naturally love her and we really know that she is building relationships that will last a lifetime and beyond. If you read My Testimony you will understand how loving all people of all creed, color, and origin is really the ways of our Heavenly Father. I certainly feel this way!

Finally, we really do want you to take us up on a chance to hear a brief lesson that will be hosted at our home in the coming months during Elissa's mission. The lesson is exactly the same lesson Elissa is teaching. Please don't be shy because sometimes we are shy to ask. Please take a moment to send me and e-mail at Jim@HomeReferralTeam.net and we can let you know when we will be hosting another event. If you have my phone number just give me a call!

Sincerely,
Dad/Jim

e-mail from elissa: may 12

*we were unable to reach elissa for our mother's day phone call, but hope to this week. cross your fingers for us! she wrote us an e-mail this morning, here is partial:

Hola!

Things are going great here. We had 17 investigadores in church yesterday. Which is insane. There is a lot of work to be done in El Dorado and I know that I can help. I just have to let the spirit guide. Everyone we teach seem to just agree completely with how there was a need for a restoration. And then Christ´s church was restored to the earth again and so the true church is once again here. But once people realize that God does require some sort of sacrifice for his people, people get scared or something. But sacrifice ALWAYS brings forth the blessings of heaven. I am amazed at the things people do sacrifice for God. It always gives me a little push and a thought that no matter what I go through, people have gone through more. One, in particular, has gone through it all.

yesterday after church we went to a members home for lunch. They are probably one of my favorites in the ward. I wasn´t even hungry to begin with but she fed us chicken - which I ate and then she filled my plate with potatoes - which I ate and then more chicken - which I ate. I didn´t know How to say that I didn´t want anymore. . . well I do I was just to shy or something (imagine that). Ok and then I realized that on the chicken there was still feathers. Haha SO now I am one of those missionaries that can say that. But honestly I felt awful. and later when I told my companion about the feathers she started to gag - she has a really bad gag reflex. And was yelling at her: "If you throw up I am going to be sooo jealous!" She didn´t, thank goodness. But it is ok - i can work and all. Tonight I am planning on calling the Pres´s wife, Hermana Asay. I love her and maybe she will have some advice for me.

mom--Happy Mothers day!!!! YOu are the best mom EVER! I am so grateful and lucky that you are my mom. I miss you and think about you lots.

Pray for this language for me please! I miss and love all of you.

Hermana urban

Enjoyable Letter from Elissa

Hola family!

Tengo sueño! ¿Por que? Jugamos Fútbol hoy! Fotos la próximo semana.

Warning: this keyboard is awful and so don’t be surprised if there are a lot of mistakes.

Ok so you know how last week I said I sent something out? Well everytime i go to try the lines are ridiculous and we have somewhere to be. So I will try again tomorrow morning. But just so you know I am working on it.

Today we played Futbol. It was so much fun to not wear a skirt! My zone all got these sweet jerseys and put nicknames on the back. My nickname was just “urban” but hey it is a cool name. Ok but it is hilarious –on p-days when we have to take the trains and buses I am always reminded of a senfield episode. The buses and trains are soooooo crowded and everyone just stands there completely awkward . . . well in my opinion. And so you know that >Senfeild when Elain is on the subway and it has stopped and in her head she is yelling and being all annoyed?? Haha!! I think of it all the time – because that is always me! Haha good times. Well anyway the train this morning was ridiculously crowded and I tried so hard to not touch the elder I was standing next to. It was hilarious.

Well anyway this past week was good. It was weird bc I thought about home a lot. And I never dream, or remember my dreams but this week I dreamt and it was all about home. and my friends and family and stuff. But today I got DearElders from Kendra, dad and grandma and I think that will rest my mind, not that it is uneasy but maybe it is,. No sé.

Missionary life is good. I am definitely experiencing it. I have never had to go to the bathroom and the most inopportune times before in my life!! As well as I have never stepped in wet cement and not cared or twisted my ankle so much from walking on unstable ground. Oh good times! I have also realized that close to everything I say in English is some sort of slang or some phrase, because of this it is hard for me to figure out everything I want to say in Spanish. Or Castillano. In Argentina people will make sure that you know that it isn´t Spanish it´s “castillano”

Well we are teaching this lady (28) Tanya, her brother Pablo (23) and their uncle Demetri (44) I likethem so much! They have come to church the past 3 weeks and are progressing. I think that they really want to know the truth and so I just pray that God will prick their hearts and they will know!

There is this family, the Bobadilla family, who will get baptized once the dad´s divorce from his previous esposa is final and then he marries his new esposa. But I like them a lot. Yesterday we talked over hot chocolate, toast and jelly and they of course had matee. It is a little different then America bc she is about 25 and he is in his 40´s I would say. Age isn’t really a factor here. But anyway I would just love to see them go to the temple! And I would be able to go and agh! What a beautiful thing! Ok I am crying now. We have been talking about praying and reading the scriptures as a family. I was able to bear my testimony of how family prayer has helped me and my family. And though it was hard at times and sometimes we had it at 6 in the morning; I learned the importance of it. I t was hard bc of course it was in “castillano” but I hope I was able to convey to them what a great blessing it is.

Thanks family for having prayer and scripture! En serio.

I understand more of their Spanish. Did I tell you that the way the way talk is IMPOSSIBLE!! No offense to them – I love them. But honesty, it is all in their throat and it is all slurred together. Even my comp says that it was hard for her to understand when she first got here and she is a native Spanish speaker! Just diligence and a lot of it!

Ok so moms day!!! Yay!!!!! I can call!

Also some staple package ideas would be:

Organic peanut butter
Raisin bran (i miss it!)
Or dad, your old ties, they are gold here and when someone wears a tie there is a lot of congratulations!


Well I love you all sooomuch. You are in my prayers!

Hna Urban

4.28.08- with pictures!

*Editor's note: Hi everyone, it's Bethany. This e-mail was so good, so hilarious! We love to hear from her. Enjoy!

Sometimes I really really don't like this email. I just lost my email.

anyway now this has to be not as good.
well to answer questions that you asked madre:

I dont think I got the dearelder from grandma. They usually take about 2 or 3 weeks to get here. And your package is here but i wont get it until next week because it wasn´t sent express. If you send packages express they will go directly to the offices and i can easily pick them up. the address is:

Italia 26. 4to Piso, 1832 Lomas De
Zamora, Buenos Aires Argentina

you can also send phyiscal letters to this address. I have about an hour online to read and write emails so it is better to send long letters the dearelder way. I want to hear about anything and everything is everyones lives. But you can send short comments, questions, thoughts, factoids by email. That way I will have more time to type and more hope for actual letters that I can hold and read over again if I so desire. Also maybe you can tell my friends this. I miss and love everyone and please continue to write. and dont forget me! Remember that there is this little rubia hermana on the other side of the hemisphere that loves you! and thinks about all of you lots!!

Me and my comp go to this little internet places. currently I am sitting in a little room just lined with computers, the radio on, and people typing or surfing away.

El Dorado is tiny. I don't know if you would really be able to find on a map. I can load photos, i will do that now! I don't have my cord so you are going to get photos from my comps camera.

ok if i have the numbering right:

1- Alejondro and his baptism! Isn´t he sooo cute?? And yes I am sporting braids in public. I am a sister missionary. but all of the young women loved it!


2- me and my comp at the temple. we get to go every 6 months and lucky for me my first week we got to go. it was in spanish and i was completely lost. oh man. it was difficult. but i met the temple pres wife who is from colorado!!! I asked if she knew Grandma and she said that she sounded familiar.


3- bus ride to the temple. these are things that missionaries just live for i swear.


4- Hermana Guterriz in the ward I love her! she is this little loco lady wiht 7 GOREGOUS daughters I have some really cute pics with them i will have to send next time. But she gave alejondro a white shirt! I wiah i had time to write this whole story - it was so touching. but just know that reaching out and serving others is amazing!


5- me and my comp where bad last pday. but i like this pic. haha.


i am sending some yummy argentina treats home! enjoy they are amazing and i want to eat them!!!!

Hna Gracia teaches me spanish and i teach her sweet words like sugardaddy and golddigger. man i got to go to the bathroom
love h urban

Hermana Urban's first e-mail from Argentina!

*Hey everyone, here's Elissa's first e-mail from Argentina! Enjoy! Love, Bethany

Alright people the email from Argentina!!! My pday is once again on Monday. First of all Dad did you get the email from my mission president? If not I will let him know.

Ok so we will start out with the plane ride. Very long. Not very comfortable. On the first flight I had a really good experience with this lady that I was sitting next to. She was a member of the church but has been through a lot. recently divorced and she was about 24. But I shared some scriptures with her and we cried. Ya know the girlie moments.

Well then the ten hour flight. oh man. it was fine but long and I got no sleep. They actually played "Becoming Jane" and me and Hma Dax wanted to watch it sooooo bad. And we were going to, but for some reason our side of the plane audio didn´t work. God works in mysterious ways wouldn´t you say?

Well we arrives in Argentina at about 8 am. 4 am your time. We went to the mission home. i met my new comp. went to my area. and went to work.

Ok so my comp is Hermana Garcia. AND I LOVE HER!!! We get along insanely well. She teaches sooo well. She is 29 but looks 23 at the most, from Mexico and just the cutest little thing. I am really lucky because I am the only one who got a native spanish speaker. But she speaks english fluently - really well. But she is just so great with the people. She doesn´t treat people like they are investigators or "numbers" but as friends. And that is how it should always be! Sometimes I think missionaries forget that these people could be their friends as well and not just an appointment.

My area is called El Dorado and is huge! We walk a ton. Part of it is slightly nice but majority are campos. Campos are what you see in those infomercials to support children. . . yeah i think that describes it correctly. Me and my companion dont live in the campos. they are too dangerous for Hermanas. But we live in a nearby apartment. The front is this orange garage door with a tiny little door that you walk in and then there are like 3 other apts next to ours. Well anyway, there are dogs EVERYWHERE!!! They are a disturbing matter really. Think diseased dogs roaming the streets. The nicer part of our area has sidewalk. But most of it is dirt. Well a combination of dirt and trash. Honestly trash is a major problem there.

But what really matters are the people. AGH! I am so lucky to be serving in this capacity. Everyday we go out and help people find faith. We serve in anyway we can whether that is cleaning, cooking, just being there, but most importantly teach about Christ and how His church is on the earth today. People are so interested when we teach. We taught 30 lessons this week! can you believe it? Everyday I am exhausted with walking, talking, and mostly listening.

Spanish. what can I say? All I know is that this is going to take faith, diligence and everyones prayers! It is a little funny if and when I talk everyone leans in and becomes very attentive. But I have had some people say that I do speak well. the only problem is that I am having a hard time understanding.

OK but some people I really want to talk about are:

Hermana Espinola. She is a member of the church she lives in the campos with her husband and her son. But she religiously feeds us lunch every thrusday and Saturday. I have no idea how she affords to do this. She absolutely amazes me. We offer to pay or help, but she always declines saying that we are doing the work of the Lord and she wants to help, she knows that she gets blessings from feeding the missionaries. And her food is so delicious! On thursday we had this potato and egg thing with a salad. And then we had Canelones - this delious italian dish. But as you know Argetina has a lot of italian in it, so it only makes sense! I love Hermana Espinola.

Well, if youcan believe it or not we had a baptism this week! Alejondro is a 12 year old niño that amazes me. He only lived with his mom in the campo but sadly this past December she past away from Cancer. Can you imagine? It just breaks my heart. His older brother moved down to live with and take care of him. Well, Hermana garcia and her past companion started to teach him and he started going to church and having purpose in his life again. He is still sensitive with the passing of his mom, but now he has God. He can always got to Him in prayer. When I think of Alejondro I think of how his life is going to be so much richly blest now. I am so grateful for the church and the importance of education. With the Perpetual education Fund that the church has, Alejondro not only is a part of Christ´s Church but can continue his education. I am just so grateful to be a part of this church. I don't think people realize just how much the church reaches out to the world in every capacity. Which is fine. People don´t have to know. But I get to see a lot of it first hand here.
well time is up. I have to go.

love all of you!
hermana urban´

- you can send packages to the mission office (the address on the letter from the mission pres a while back) but send it express - very important. if you put stickers on it of the virgin mary and write mission supplies it shouldn´t get opened. you cna still dearelder

Hermana Urban Is In Argentina!

I Just wanted you to say a prayer for Hermana Urban. She is now in Argentina. It may be a little more quiet now for awhile while she adjusts to her new surroundings. Plus, maybe somewhat intimidated by the new language. This is a time when she needs our prayers the most. We are sure everything is OK, but an extra prayer never hurts. Please include in your prayers that she will be led to those people who really need to hear her testimony and teachings right now. It may be through another person she is led to those people. Maybe it is simply your prayer that leads her to her proper destination for that day. Thank you for your prayers and have a wonderful blessed day!

Argentina 1 week away!!!

Hola Familia,Como estan? I hope all is well. Thanks for the updates on your lives - please continue to update~! especially when I am in Argentina. And guess what? You can use "Dearelder.com" in my mission. Just put the pouch address in instead of the MTC address.Well, basically Conference was the most amazing experience of my life EVER! I can testify that watchiing and listening to it as a missionary is very different and eye-widening. I went in with some questions in mind and within the morning Saturday Session they were ALL answered. While the elders were in priesthood, the sisters watched the recording of the young womens broadcast. So needless to say I was completly exhausted at the end on Saturday. On top of the Spirituality at the MTC I had 6 hours of listening to the words of church leaders and apostles. It was an amazing experience. I am so grateful that I was able to sustain the presidency and Prophet.Young womens was amazing. I felt like i was looking at myself when the choir was singing. I never realized how much those broadcasts effective my life. They always taught me to satnd a little stronger. To be a virtous and to rise above. Janelle- I thought of you the whole time! I hope you were able to watch it and learn from it and apply it - I know I will! I especailly loved the story from Sis Dalton about her running the marathon.Well, then Sunday came. And because I had all of my questions and thoughts answered I went in with more. And guess what? Yup you quessed it: they were answered as well. I know that is it through the preparation of the speakers that we can learn. But only if I am listening with the Holy Ghost in my soul will I beable to hear everything that I need to hear. The spirit was so strong and I pretty much wept through the entire last hour of Sunday afternoons session!anyway mtc world is great. If someone can explain the weather that would be nice. But I have my travel Itinerary. I leave next monday!!! A week from today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (So if you are planning to send me anything do it fast haha)but my flight is at 1:15 in the afternoonar: Dallas at 4:50Lv: Dallas at 7:35 (expect calls! give me your phone numbers!)Ar: Argentina at 8:05 am (so about 4 oclock our time!)and probably that day i will give my first lesson. If "first lesson" means being utterly lost with spanish - then yes!I am so excited! But this last week counts and I need to be sooo diligent.well anyway the church is true I love you all, thanks for being awesome!I love life!hermana urban

Yay,2 weeks left.well this week for the TRC they threw us for a loop. 5 minutes before we went in we were told that we would switch companions for the teaching. So I taught with Hma ------, not my comp Hma -----. So we go in and talk with the volunteer, he is from Mexico and hilarious. And he was pretending to not believe in God - which becomes even more a challenge fo us . . . in spanish. But I would have to say that I was shocked with how much I was able to say and understand. I left my notes behinde and just opened the spirit to work through me. Once I forget myself and all of my shortcomings and rely on Christ I know that I can be an instrument in his hands.But it was hilarious b/c the volunteer took a lid to a cardborad box, drew a smiley face on it, put tissues on the top (for hair), put his arm around it and pretended that it was his esposa (wife). He would play with her hair (tissues), basically I loved it. He was great.The mtc also has these sweet makeup classes for the sisters. So i went and got free makeup (really good stuff too). the ladies come in and talk about how we liken our bodies to the temples and how we should look nice. Just as the temple grounds are taken care of. Not to impress the world but because they are sacred. I couldnt agree more. But these ladies are set apart as missionaries, come in 1 a week to make sisters feel all good about themselves and eat chocolate! HOw fun!ALSO this week I find out that I live in the same building that Casey works in! and I had lunch with Casey! It was so fun. Who doesn't love mtc food? I bore him my testimony in spanish - he was impressed - am i right casey eh?eh? It was pretty sweet. But crazy because I forget that I am sooooo close to everyone.Sometimes I get a little homesick, BYU-sick, or nonmissionary- life sick. But I know that I can rely on the Christ. He is there with every little sorrow that we have. I have made it a goal to think of him more often. to think of what He has done for me, He atoned for me. Studying the gospel day in and day out has given me such a great perspective on EVERYTHING. I still have many questions and much more spiritual knowledge to gain. But I see so many things clearly through the gospel persective. I know that the Book of Mormom and Bible both testify of Chirst . I also know that the Book of Mormon answers questions of the soul. If I (or you) have any questions about this life we can find the answer in the Book of Mormon. And we are also blessed by looking to Christ for the answer.Well, Conference is this weekend! Yay! an awesome opportunity to hear from the prophets of the Lord. I am excited to go to conference with a purpose in my heart. But I am not excited that I can't be in my Pajamas all cuddlely on the couch. - That is something else that I am learning a lot about: sacrifice. But still, I am excited for it.Something about sacrifice. It is from God. It is something that man could not or would not make. It is a way for us to learn and grow and become stronger from it. It is hard but it is worth it.Anyway, my loved ones, I hope ALL is well! What is going on in the lives of yours? Grandma thank you for your "DearElders!" (they make me cry) Easter sounded perfect! And I think I will need to see some pics of the girls in their dresses (i want one -haha).Dad- I got the memory cards. thank you soooo much. and for everything. I will let you know when I get the other stuff you are sending.I love you and pray for all of you everynight.The gospel is true.Yo se que Jesucristo es me Salvador.Hermana Urban

MTC Pictures near Easter 2008 We just got these pictures March 29th 2008!

Easter Care gift...she loved it!



Her amazing district...Hermana Urban lower left with her eyes closed.

Ther Hermana's in her zone...they have really grown close together and are learning so much! Hermana Urban is in the middle on her knees

She is pointing to her destination coming so soon!!!!! Argentina APRIL 14th 2008!!!

Day After Easter letter 2008

HOlA!

How is everyone? how was easter?first off, Bethany and kendra and casey thank you sooooo much for the cookies (they were gone within 2 hours!) honestly they were amazing! and then also for my easter surprise! OH my gosh the chocolate was amazing and thank you so much for the t shirt. you have no idea my need for shirts in general!(oh and for the sleepaid!)Well, so easter was gorgeous! It was so pretty and my district went to the temple to take pictures and i couldn't believe how pretty it is. I am always cooped up in my little classrom with flouresent lighting so it was about time to get some sun! One of the sisters in my district, her mom sent her some easter egg dye. So we dyed easter eggs and I read the scriptures from the eggs that mom and dad and janelle sent! MUY BIEN! Y DIVERTIDO (good and fun).So the spanish in the TRC was successful! me and my comp actually didnt finish our lesson becuase of time. but I felt good about it. It is amazing how you can still feel the spirit no matter the language. We must learn the language of the spirit. I know that i will struggle so much with the lang in argentina but I know that if i learn the language of the spirit then i can convey the message to people. Because this message is GOd's message. It is so important for people to hear.IN class we were talking about actually asking people to commit to baptism and what are feelings are when we ask that question. and one of the Elders, Elder bellows said: "I have a feeling . . . its like when you ask someone to dance and you are waiting for the reply" haha! first off you need to know his hilarity. But we all just started to crack up! I am so excited to aske people to come unto Christ and make that promise to live a righteous life. And I know God is preparing people for that question. Lets plant those seeds!Tres semanas left!! (3 weeks) can you believe it! I am sooo excited to go. One of my favorite districts just left this morning for the field (which bytheway is white and ready for harvesting) and i so badly wnated to be them. But just like you said dad, to enjoy the time in the mtc. I know that the mtc is this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity where i can sit study for myself this gospel. day in and day out. and through doing this i have come to see even more how simple Christ's church is and how important it is. And how is makes sense.ok 3 minutes left . ..I hope all is well, sorry that my emails aren't very long or exciting. But I love all of you sooooo much and i hope that your faith is being trailed and that you are strenghtening it!oh hey mom can you send me a jump rope?loves Hermana urban

Happy Easter! Send a care package to Elissa before she leaves to Argentina on April 14th 2008!

Hermana Urban's Easter Surprise Care Package. For Family Home Evening we put together a wonderful care package for Elissa. She loves getting care packages. It doesn't have to be this elaborate. A little package with a special note and a tiny token makes her day so special and wonderful. It will be so much easier to mail her now while she is here before she leaves to Argentina in mid April. Here is her address:

Sister Elissa Marie Urban

MTC Mailbox# 272

ARG-BAS 0414

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, Utah 84604-1793

Saint Patrick's Day Letter! Enjoy!

Again I have taken out the names for the respect of those she is talking about. You still can just feel the power and the Spirit through her letters. It is such an awesome experience she is having!

I got a blessing from one of the counslers in my branch presidency and then yesterday I had an interview with him. Hermano ----. He is truly inspired and I love talking with. I have never felt so much peace from when I talk to him. And in the interview he bascially jsut talked to me the whole time about who I am and my potential. He has never told a missionary to look him up after they get home but he invited me over for dinner when I get home. He wants to see even more of what I become. He also said that in 4 weeks he has never seen this much improvment in a missionary. That I was fine when I came in but i have becoem this spotlight.I have been feeling that change in myself as well. I knwo that God is molding me into something better. I am grateful for that. I am grateful for Hmo ---- and his words. Seriously, he told me amazing things that i dont have time to write. But once we give more of our will to God. we will see more and more his love and how He can change our hearts, our wills and desires.

Well, last night Sheri Dew (click here to learn more about her) came for the fireside!!!!!!!! Ihave nEVER heard her talk before and now I see why soo many people love her. She is incredibly intelligent, well-read, well-traveled, and I know that she knows that the gospel is true. I wish I had time to tell you alll that she talked about. but I dont have time. read my notes when icome home ok?So I have decieded that I want to be like her! and afterwards ME and my comp wanted to meet her so we ran up. But there was jsut this sea of elders in the way. But they all parted for us. Hermanas will a purpose coming through!! So i shook her hand and I told her that I want to be like her and she was like "no, be better!" So new insanely unattainable goal anyone?????!!!!! I will work on it.spanish is coming but daunting I have no doubt that i will be fluent but still getting to that point is hard.a district in my zone is leavign next week! I am sooo excited for them but sad to see them go. most of them are going to urugary (sp?) so who knows when i will see them again.

loves yous!

Hermana urban

Almost One Month Into Her Mission

The letters are flowing and we are so very excited about her progress. We back at home are having a blast talking to everyone about her mission and her progress. Here is her latest letter with some miss spellings. She really has very little time to write.

Well, Going on week 4 of being a missionary! I am started to freakout more and more with the fact that in about a month I will have to speak only in spanish. I have no idea HOW but but some power (from God of course!) Hopefully I will get through it. Well, this past week at our devotional Elder Holland came and talked to us. Oh my goodness did I just soak up every word - or at least tried to. He is hilarious! and so blunt! Which is very good. He talked about SOOO many things. But one thing that I loved was in his closing remarkd (which was about 15 minutes) He talked about Christ and his atoning sacrifice for you and me. he said that even when we do missionary work the right way, Christ's way that "we are going to have difficult days . . . when you feel alone . . . to think about the last hours of the Saviors life" He suffered for us. He suffered for everything - including our emotional, physical and spiritual pains. He was completely abandoned. Except for some choice women.I feel really inadequete to be writing about this subject, trying to type quickly, and paraphrasing one of the apostales words. But I know that Christ DID do this and that God DID provide a Savior for us that we may beable to return to Him one day. And have eternal Life. astounding.Also, I love the Ensign this Month!!!

Bethany, I agree with the soaking it all up. It is amazing. All dedicated to the Savior. I read the article by Elder Packer and was exhausted afterwards because of the realness and power of the Savor. This week, and last week, in the TRC we have been teaching the plan of salvation and we talk of the Saviors atonement. Packer's article is exactly how I want to convey this lesson. A concept that is hard to grasp but so important for us to know.Ok, well, the MTC is still good. I think . . . I know I need more charity in my life . . . espically that not "easily prokoved" part. I am praying for that a lot.I see people here all the time. But I have yet to see Casey . . . What is up with that? I saw Landin Smith the other day and there are people that work in the cafetria that know kendra and will say hi to me. Yeah I am pretty popular. It is funny because there are some people that I like to call MTC celebrities. They are the ones that did some musical number during a fireside or said a prayer in a group meeting. Yeah, it is pretty exciting in our little bubble within the bubble (provo).Elders are funny the other night This one elder put an ENTIRE banana is his mouth and swollowed it in under a minute. And then this guy/worker came over and said that they needed to "respect the food." It made us laugh. I know it is really lame.

Dad- I pray everynight for you and your desire for missionary work. I am insanly blessed to have you as my dad. I also pray for Randy swan, I cannot believe that! I hope he learns from the missionaries. Thanks for the political updates.

Mom- Thanks for finally writing me a little update/status on my package of sorts. also thanks for sending me the rest of my unmentionables, the letters, the musical program, and yummies. I eat too much chocolate! I have been really craving 7 layer dip - in 1.5 years i guess!

Beth- THANKS for the pictures!!! the letters!! etc!! Sorry that it taked for ever for me to reply but I really apprecitate it sooooooooooooooo much. Jusst know that. All of the elders love the pic of the fam too. they are holding out for Kendra and janelle. I have the prettiest sisters!~!Kendra- you are soooo good at writing letters. Muy Gracis! seriously! i hope you got my letter.

Janelle- remember the list of topics that i gave you? look at that and write me about one of them. include a senfield por favor. How was the musical? I miss and love you

Charlie- bark.

katy- YOU AMAZE ME!!! send me your new address I really want to write you but I have one minute left.

I am an AWFUL typer.Anyway, I hope all is well. and that life is sweet.

Elissa is concerned about teaching with the Spirit here in this letter...after reading this letter the Spirit was overflowing with me, so I am not concerned about Hermana Urban not teaching with the Spirit...This note from her Dad.

Here is her letter:

Well, I am learning a lot. I really really really want the spirit to be with me and to teach with the spirit because without it, I am not successful. the spirit truly is the convincing power that brings people to KNOW that God still speaks to his children today.

The consul of Argentina came this past week to talk to us future Argentine missionaries. This is the only country that does this - i guess. So basically he just talked about food, culture, social classes, the landscape, etc. and all I can say is that I am SOOOOOOOOO excited!!! I learned that Argentines look Italian, speak Spanish, dress like the English and eat like the french!! Cool eh?Yesterday in church I gave the closing prayer in Spanish!! can you believe it??? Church is kind of different we don;t have Sunday school, instead we have a branch council meeting type thing. and relief society is in this huge gym and we always have a speaker so we aren't really "taught" a lesson it is more like a mini general relief society conference.

OK I have ONE minute what can I tell you????????????The church is true. I wish everyone could feel this much gozo (joy) from it. I guess that is why i am on a mission. I love you

Near Leap Year Day Posting...

This is a photo with Sister Urban's missionary companion in front of the Provo, Utah temple which is next to the mission training center.

Here is Sister Urban's advice to me her Dad as I have had so much postive response to my personal Blog at http://www.jimsjournal.net/ and this Blog and my Newsletter:

Dad, an amazing teaching tool is to teach simple. No one can be converted without the Spirit. The Spirit teaches and touches the soul. We are just the mouth piece. Pray for the Spirt to be your guide. Have faith that God is preparing people for the Gospel and then pray to find them.

I have really have seen a wonderful amount of interest in my daugters mission. I really would love for you or your friends to learn more about this wonderful gospel teaching. Would you like to learn more about what sister Urban is teaching? If so send me an e-mail at Jim@HomeReferralteam.net

Here is Elissa's latest letter to us. The names have been blotted out to protect our servants in the MTC

Ok well, this week has been great!! I continue to feel so blessed to be here. Random moments at meal time or gym or firesides I will look around and become amazed at how ALL of these missionaries will bring at least someone to the gospel; and how ALL of these missionaries are worthy members that have lived their lives in such a way to be here. I get a little inspired. The elders in my district are like brothers to me. (they are my brothers!) But they are so fun and we are like a family.
My teachers names are Bro ---- and Bro ---- (bethany i read a bit of your email so you get a question answered!) They are AMAZING!! bro ---- taught this amazing lesson this week - i forget the topic (I could easily look it up - but once again lack of time). He teaches with this calming power, his voice is amazing, he could be a future apostle. During his lesson he said: "Believe . . . That is really all I say . . . believe that it is possible." That moment is so special to me. What I felt is so special to me.
Bro ----- is actually engaged to one of the BYU womens volleyball players! cool eh? All I know is that his children will be so smart!
Bro ---- reminds me of someone that I would have hung out with before the mission. He is so funny. But when he busts out the spirituality it is a powerhouse.
I love my companion. there is no coincodence that we are together. We learn so much from each other. I wish I could find ways to serve her more. I feel like she is always serving me.
Dad- those ideas are great! Your desire of missionary work motivates me! I am so happy that this is opening doors. Please tell your friends that I got the book and I am excited to read it. I will try to write them a thank you card if i can. i really got to go.
LOVE
Hermana Urban

Here is Elissa's first letter to us by e-mail:

ok sorry if this email is no bueno. I don't have a lot of time to type. The MTC is great. There is so much joy to be felt in this work. I am so happy right now. It could because last night was just a power house of spirituality with church, fireside, and night with MTC president. and then this morning, in the wee hours, we went to the temple. The happiness factor may change when I am in the middle of the week and trying to learn espanol, trying to improve my lesson teaching skills, etc.That is when we start to get fraustrated with being a missionary. The first couple of days were brutal. I was so tired but when we FINALLY got a small amount of time for the gym I just ran around and my mind was refreshed and I felt so much better. Everyone says "hello Elders" or "hi Hermanas/sisters" it is an adjustment to not say "hey guys."
I really like the cookies here and I eat them. which is not a very good idea.
I am learning so much about obiedence - it is so important and I remember Katie Rose when she came back from her mission she said that "obiedence IS the reward." When we have the desire to do what God wants us to do, it becomes a blessing and an opportunity instead of a burden. Ok I really got to go.

Sending Elissa on her mission is everything from...

Exhilarating

to

Emotional

to

Amazing

to

Spiritual

to

Petrified

Here are some pictures of the JOY we felt as we were celebrating the last few days before we dropped Elissa off for 1 1/2 years on her Mission journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina. She will be in the Mission Training Center for 2 months.

We spent some time at Temple Square in Salt Lake City viewing and visiting some sites.

From Left to Right:

Elissa, Bethany, Kendra, Susan, and Janelle...I am taking the picture.

Salt Lake Temple...if you look at the top of the steeple you will see a statue of the Angel Moroni who was the last of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon to survive. He was able to bury the plates of brass that would later be given to Joseph Smith the founder of today's LDS church.

Cafe Rio in Provo...one of our favorite places to stop and get a bite!

Elissa's last few pictures before she reports to training.

Another good one!

Here is her address if you want to write her while she is in training until April 14th.

Our entire little family.

Casey & Bethany, Kendra, Elissa, Susan & Jim, and Janelle.

Her Missionary Badge!

This is awesome!

Elissa, you are a special spirit.

She will teach lessons about a special message to those people in Argentina. There are 5 special lessons she will teach in Spanish that will change lives. Lessons about the sacred teachings about Heavenly Fathers special plan for all of us. If you are interested in learning more about the lessons that are taught a great start would be to e-mail me at: jim@homereferralteam.net . We have missionaries in this area that teach these lessons too. You can learn more about this wonderful message of Christ that is taught.

A Fantastic Sending Off Celebration at Grandmas House...

We all had a wonderful time before she left!

Elissa with Luke & Jerimiah

Luke giving Elissa a goodbye letter and picture to the right...Rebecca giving a goodbye letter

Grandma & Grandpa Urban goodbye for now!

Right picture: Elissa with Rachel Ballard

Dixie Grange with Elissa, and right Phil & Amanda Dad's friends wishing Elissa all the best!

John Grange and Dixie enjoying food and conversation!

Having fun with our missionaries one week before we leave to take Elissa to the MTC

Every once in a while we have our young friends the missionaries over for dinner. We have a special dessert called the missionary dessert. We coined it "The Missionary Dessert" when several years ago we had one of the missionaries who was named Elder Heath. This dessert has Heath bar crumbs in it. We always love to surprise these fine young men when they come over with our huge dessert with lots of chocolate, whip cream, brownies, and heath bar. Their eyes always light up. These two fine men are Elder Johnson (on the right) and Elder Larmouth (on the left). If you are friends of ours we would love for you to join us someday with the missionaries for some "Missionary Dessert!"